The Ayurveda guide to beauty

We all know that the ancient science of Ayurveda is not only a natural and holistic approach to the human body, but also offers long-term health benefits and results that are more permanent. Even so, we forget the goodness that nature has to offer and often turn to chemicals for short-lived gains. Here’s your all-you-need-to-know guide to Ayurveda’s favourite herbs, foods, rituals, and lifestyle tips for hair, skin, and wellness.

Your body eats through the skin too…We often forget that lathering our skin and scalp with chemicals actually has an effect on the inside as well. People today need educating on the harmful effects of such chemicals like parabens that can harm the body because your skin and tissues are absorbing what you put on the outside. The 5,000-year old science of Ayurveda understands that and therefore uses an all-natural approach to beautification/treatment of any kind.

The Magic Herb List for your hair:BringhrajIt is rightly known as the King of Hair because of its many magical properties. From cooling the hair and promoting hair growth to curbing early greying, the herb is also known to lend luster and shine. SvetakutajaGood hair begins with a healthy scalp and this herb is known to work on solving common scalp problems. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that promote a healthy scalp. AmlaRich in Vitamin C, Amla’s anti-oxidant powers repair the natural wear and tear of hair.

AmlakiThis is one of the three ingredients in Triphala. Highly potent, Amlaki helps in flushing out toxins and its natural antioxidant properties help in damage repair. BrahmiHelps in prevention of hair loss and improves circulation in the scalp. With long term use it also strengthens the scalp tissue which promotes overall hair health. DrakshaBalances oil production in the scalp and adds shine to your hair.Virgin Coconut OilThere is a big difference in regular and virgin coconut oil because virgin coconut oil is extracted through the cold press technique that keeps all the goodness of the oil intact. Regular oil is exposed to high temperatures that also kill a lot of beneficial nutrients of the oil rendering it ineffective.

The Magic Food List for your hair:NutsAlmonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut and peanuts are excellent hair food because they are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Ayurveda recommends eating nuts in the evening when the natural repair mechanism of the body kicks in.

SpicesEvery typical Indian household has these basic spices like turmeric, whole black pepper, turmeric, curry leaves, mustard seeds and they work as a good source of hair energy. You can also throw in curry leaves towards the end of your cooking, this retains the freshness of the leaves, adds a punch of flavor and nutrition to your curries and vegetables. Green leafy vegetablesthere is no escaping those greens if you want glowing skin and hair. Iron rich and laced with Vitamins A and C, it’s the best source of good energy for your body and its health. The iron helps carry oxygen to the hair follicles while the antioxidants in vitamins help in quick repair which saves your hair from getting brittle and weak.

Dry FruitsDates, raisins, apricots, figs are excellent sources of energy, nutrition, fiber and strength. When taken in the morning they act as cleansers for the body, flush out toxins and replenish it with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Fresh fruitsSeasonal fruits are excellent sources of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, antioxidants, fiber, and beta carotene all packaged in low calorie goodness that you’ll never find in packaged food. A great energy source, you should eat at least 3-4 portions of fruit every day.

The Magic Rituals List for your hair:OilingA warm oil massage routine at least once a week with the concoction of the prescribed Ayurveda herbs like Bringhraj and coconut oil makes for a stress-relieving massage that helps circulation and moisturises your hair and scalp. In turn oils like these get absorbed through your scalp and start spreading their goodness through the entire body. Make sure you only use natural, paraben-free, cold pressed oils that retain maximum nutrients and benefits. Try the Indulekha Bringha Oil for the most natural and effective results. ShirodharaIn this Ayurveda treatment, hot oil is poured slowly on your forehead. This alleviates stress, fatigue and also promotes hair and scalp health. This treatment is delivered only by a professional practitioner so while you may not be able to do this on a regular basis, it is an indulgence that’s worth your time.

The Magic Herb list for your skin:Sandal/ChandanEasily available, chandan is known for its skin brightening and cooling properties. Effective for getting rid of uneven skin tone and blemishes, it also helps in removing suntan and soothes sun burns. Wild turmeric/Kasturi turmericSince Haldi is known for its anti-bacterial properties, it works in fighting acne and even acne scars. It helps brighten the skin while promoting overall skin health. The main difference between regular and kasturi haldi is that it doesn’t stain the skin like normal haldi does. KesarThis is a powerful little gem in your kitchen. Rich in potassium it helps repair and reconstruct your skin. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties also work as anti-ageing and treating acne. You will also see instant brightness when you use kesar in your skin packs.Manjistha powderManjistha is known for its purifying and healing powers making it an excellent ingredient in face packs. Use it to lighten dark spots and even heal minor skin infections, bacterial acne and blemishes. Rose Petal PowderThe beauty power of roses has been known through centuries and across continents. Rose powder instantly refreshes, cools and brightens the skin. The anti-oxidants help fight free radicals hence slowing skin ageing. Aloe VeraAn all-purpose soothing gel, aloe works well for sensitive skin and even on minor cuts and burns. Easily absorbed, it’s a great moisturiser and face pack when applied as a thick layer. It has cooling and anti-irritant properties that work well on sensitised skin that gets easily red easily. NeemA medicinal herb, neem is a great herb to fight acne with its purifying and anti-fungal benefits. You can also use neem oil or powder for spot application on troubled areas and acne.

The Magic Food List for your skin:LemonsSqueezing a lemon or two on your salads or as a post meal drink can take off years from your face. The vitamin C and antioxidant properties are not only good for digestion but also help prevent wrinkles and dryness, two primary ageing factors. GheeHomemade or good quality organic ghee is filled with goodness of all kinds. From aiding digestion to lending shine and moisture to your skin, ghee and its good fatty acids have overall health benefits. AlmondsPacked with Vitamin E and anti-oxidants, almonds are the quickest beauty meal you can carry with you at all times.Coconut water and coconut fleshPeople mistakenly think that coconut flesh is fattening. On the contrary, it actually boosts the metabolism helping you lose weight. The antioxidant properties help in repairing your tissue damage and in turn your skin. The coconut water helps hydrate and gives you glowing skin, it even had anti-ageing benefits.

The Magic Rituals List for your skin:Haldi-Chandan face packSandalwood and turmeric are like vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce – a combination that never fails. Remember to use kasturi haldi that doesn’t stain the skin yellow. Mix haldi powder and chandan powder together with rose water for normal and combination skin or milk for dry skin and see your skin glow in one single application! Rose powder, almond powder and saffron face packThis power trio can be mixed with rose water and honey to make a delicious and nourishing face pack that works on blemishes and uneven skin tone. Your skin will feel instantly moisturised as well. Lemon and honey pre-party face packYou want to head out for a night out and need an instant pick me up? Whip up an egg white, add 2 teaspoons of honey and squeeze in half a lemon. This pack minimises pores, helps the face look firmer and also gives an overall brightening effect. This pack needs to be followed by a moisturiser. Then wait for a few minutes and apply your makeup. Almond face and body scrubTake a few almonds and soak them for a few hours so you can de-skin them. If you are in a hurry you can always heat water and soak almonds in that for just a few minutes, this will easily take off the skin. Dry them with a tissue and grind them. Now you can use this almond flour with 2-3 teaspoons of honey and a few pinches of powdered cinnamon. Add your favourite oil – almond, sesame or coconut to get a thick scrub gel like consistency. Apply this on dry skin and mix water as needed. Massage for a few minutes and wash off. You will have no oily residue, just glowing soft skin! Coconut oil deep clean maskSome days you just feel the need to detoxify your skin and this is a gentle and effective way of doing that. Mix one teaspoon of cold pressed virgin coconut oil with half a teaspoon of baking soda and apply to your cleansed face. When you wash it off after ten minutes your skin will immediately feel unclogged. If you stay outdoors for long periods or are exposed to the elements like sun or pollution on a daily basis, this mask will really help. With regular use (twice a week) you will start noticing that your skin looks healthier. If you have acne, you will see a great improvement with this pack.

The Magic Lifestyle List:WalkIn Ayurveda walking is considered the best exercise because it works all body parts without putting too much stress on the body. Also, walking in nature helps calm all your senses, improves cardio vascular health and manages weight.Get shut eyeIt is important to shut down your system and take frequent breaks to regroup during the course of your day. This helps in alleviating stress, clears focus and helps the body cool down. Whether in your office chair or at home, sit in a comfortable position and shut off your phone, television or computer. Close your eyes and take deep breaths and try to concentrate on your breath going in and out. Doing this three times for 10 minutes a day will show visible results in your overall wellness and concentration.Eat fresh mealsIn this microwave era, it’s easy to get addicted to packaged lunches and refrigerated dinners but Ayurveda stresses that freshly prepared warm food nourishes the body and provides it comfort. While this may not be possible always, what you can do is cut out all processed and packaged foods and processed sugar to minimise damage to your body. Don’t eat with gadgetsHaving your television on or being on your phone may seem like a harmless act as you eat your meal but as per Ayurveda it actually robs your body of the nutrition you are trying to give it. Eating your meal in a peace and quiet environment brings more nourishment. Detoxify at intervalsIt’s good to give your body a cleansing treat every once in a while where you add in all the goodness of raw vegetables, fresh fruits, water, herbal teas and dry fruits. Stay away from any cooked food, processed food or sugar for that day. This will instantly give your body a boost of energy and flush out toxins. Get a massageAyurveda puts a lot of emphasis on massage. It helps in flushing out toxins and improves circulation but the other benefits like stress relief and better sleep are even more important for overall well-being. At a cosmetic level, it helps lose weight and improves skin texture and complexion too. Pamper yourself with regular head massages with the Indulekha Bringha Oil. It comes with a selfie comb applicator that ensurest the oil is deposited directly on your scalp, resulting in long-term benefits.Harbour a passion/hobbyAyurveda understands that a healthy body needs to first harbour a healthy mind and that’s why always insists on a holistic approach. For your overall health and to alleviate stress, having a hobby is very important. Whether it’s a round of music or movie appreciation with your friends or trekking over the weekend, something to look forward to will always keep you enthusiastic, young and energetic.

This basic guide to an Ayurveda way of living can provide immense health and beauty benefits to all. Stay healthy and beautiful, always!